Column #329       December 24, 2021Michael Šust Family Singers

Three Strikes, You're Out!

It wasn’t to be. For yet an unknown reason the computer that takes in the video from the cameras and audio from the soundboard malfunctioned during the entire Christmas Eve program. Consequently, only a silent video was posted on YouTube. In house, the audio worked perfectly and the service was beyond outstanding.

The instrumental ensemble, which consisted of very talented musicians, was at its best. And the Michael Šust Family Singers were better than ever. The entire service was beyond our greatest expectations. Unfortunately, its recording was not to be.

Not only didn’t the video computer work properly, but when I realized that the video director couldn’t find the fix, I grabbed a CD and stuck it in the recorder. At the end of the evening, when the CD was finalized, it wouldn’t take. The CD was bad. Because the dress rehearsal the night before worked so flawless when recording the various practice sessions, Colleen Šust suggested Michael skip setting up their camera because our church system was so professional.

Therefore we had three opportunities to record the sound and not one of them worked.

All I can say is that the live service was truly unbelievably uplifting. The sound was flawless. Not to have a record of it is beyond disappointing. We can only look forward to next year.

For those in attendance, it was an amazing Christmas Eve Service. Now here is the original invite.

Linda and I invite you to attend or watch a very special event tonight. Linda is the music director for Peace Presbyterian Church in Stuart, Florida. Tonight, her Christmas Eve service is hosting our special friends: the Michael Šust Family Singers. They are spectacular and our live video Christmas Eve service will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit.

Thirty five years ago this month, young operatic vocalist Michael Šust arrived penniless in the United States. Formerly, he was a native to what was then Communist Czechoslovakia in Eastern Europe. Being a stanch anticommunist, he ended up being imprisoned there for nearly two years. Fortunately he was able to escape on foot to Austria in 1986.

The communists had placed the Bible at the top of their “banned” book list. So, even though young Michael was an atheist, after arriving in Austria another escapee from communism gave him a Bible. That interested him because the communists told him not to read it. After skipping over most of the Old Testament, he read the New Testament and he says that's when his life changed forever.

After arriving in America Michael attended graduate school and earned a PhD in music. He married and raised a talented all-American family. For years he has utilized his operatic professionalism as a link to share the good news of Jesus. He personally testifies as to what Jesus can do in a life, leading many musicians to faith in Christ and into discipleship.

Tonight Michael Šust, his wife Colleen, and youngest daughter Christy will perform at our church, Peace Presbyterian Church located at 4881 SE Cove Road, Stuart, FL 34997. The service can be viewed live online starting at 5:45 P.M. Eastern time. In addition to singing along with the church choir on other carols, the Šusts will sing these Christmas songs:
●    Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow
●    I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
●    O Holy Night
●    Do You Hear What I Hear?

You’ll also see Linda directing from the piano but, since I run the sound system, I’m out of sight where everyone likes me to be.

All of Peace Presbyterian’s live stream services are archived and, after tonight’s live showing, this one will be saved on the church's YouTube page. That way if you miss the live performance, it can still be viewed at any time. If you can, watch it on a big screen television with good speakers. It will be a very joyous, inspiration-filled Christmas Eve Service that can also be played Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.

Don't miss these links for additional reading:

Peace Presbyterian Church

Peace Presbyterian Church YouTube Live Stream Page

Pastor Michael Šust—Personal Testimony